COLUMBIA, Tenn. — Maury Regional Medical Center (MRMC) has been recognized by the Tennessee Hospital Association as one of only six hospitals in the state to have reduced the number of early births scheduled without a medical reason. From July 2012 to present time MRMC had zero elective early births without a medical reason. Early births scheduled without a medical reason, also known as early elective deliveries, occur between 36 and 40 weeks of pregnancy.

MRMC was among the earliest advocates in support of an initiative aimed at reducing early elective deliveries of babies less than 40 weeks in gestation. As part of its commitment to this initiative, MRMC entered into a partnership with other institutions that share a goal of improving the health and development of babies born in Tennessee by emphasizing the importance of full-term delivery.

“The last few weeks of gestation are vitally important in a baby’s development because major organs including the brain, lungs and liver are in the final crucial stage of growth. Recent studies have shown that early elective deliveries are associated with an increased risk in morbidity and increased hospital stays for both mothers and newborns,” said Beth Himes, administrative director of Women’s and Children’s Services. “Infants delivered before they reach a term of 40 weeks have a greater risk of respiratory as well as other complications. Electing to carry a baby to 40 weeks greatly improves the infant’s chances for good physical and developmental health.”

MRMC’s entire fourth floor is dedicated to mother/baby couplet care. Labor and delivery, neonatal intensive care and obstetrics units allow mothers to go through all stages of labor, delivery and recovery in the same location. To learn more, call 931.540.4167 or visit www.mauryregional.com/women.